Animal abuse bill heads to governor

2:58 AM,
Jul. 7, 2013

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The House on Saturday sent to the governor a bill that would increase the penalties for people who repeatedly neglect and abuse animals, and create new licensing and regulation requirements for animal rescue groups.

Senate Bill 6 passed on a 38-21 vote after a lengthy floor debate with opposition from Republicans. Opponents have raised concerns about increasing the penalties and possibly allowing for searches without a warrant and creating unintended consequences.

The bill was introduced in response to a January incident in Marion County where 149 neglected dogs were rescued from a ...